How to Fix The Sims 4 Update Issues: Tested Solutions

Launch Origin with administrative privileges

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Key notes

  • When the Sims 4 won’t update, the problem likely lies with missing permissions or third-party app conflicts.
  • A quick fix is to disable the firewall, VPN, and any security software running on the PC.
  • For some users, reinstalling Origin with a dedicated uninstaller tool did the trick.
the sims 4

If The Sims 4 wonโ€™t update, whether nothing happens or an error pops upโ€”start with a few quick fixes.

Restart your PC, run the EA app as admin, turn on Safe Mode downloading, repair the game, and disable any firewall, antivirus, or VPN.

If that doesnโ€™t solve it, move on to more advanced steps.

1. Clear your Origin Cache

  1. Close all Origin process running on the PC.
  2. Press Windows + R to open Run, paste the following paths individually, and hit Enter:%appdata% %localappdata%appdata to fix sims 4 won't update
  3. Now, locate the Origin folder under both these locations and clear all the files within these.
  4. Log in to the Origin client and see if the latest Sims 4 updates install now.

When Sims 4 won’t update on Origin, clearing the local files should get things running. Also, if you find that Sims 4 won’t update on the EA app, clear the files in the EA folder instead.

2. Reset The Sims 4 to default

  1. Create a backup of the Sims 4 folder to a flash drive from the following path: Documents\Electronic Arts 
  2. Rename The Sims 4 folder on the PC to The Sims 4_Backup.
  3. Start the game. Keep in mind that there will be no save games, and your options will be reset to factory settings
  4. A new Sims 4 folder will be available in the EA folder. Copy back all the user files.
  5. Start a new game and install the latest game updates available.

3. Run the EA app as administrator

  1. Close the EA app completely.
  2. Right-click the EA app icon on your desktop or Start menu.
  3. Select Run as administrator.run ea app as administrator
  4. Try updating The Sims 4 again.

4. Repair The Sims 4

  1. In the EA app, go to Library.
  2. Right-click The Sims 4.
  3. Select Repair.sims 4 repair
  4. Wait for the process to finish, then try updating.

Warpping up

If youโ€™re having trouble updating The Sims 4, start with basic fixes like restarting your PC and running the EA app as administrator.

For other common issues, such as the game not starting, language settings, mods not working, lag, or loading problems with households, check out our detailed guides on fixing Sims 4 startup errors, changing language, mod troubleshooting, improving lag, and household loading issues.

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